All these beautiful (and full) fly boxes make me feel like I need to shackle myself to my tying desk and not do anything else until either all my materials are gone or all possible containers are full!

Eunan, I would love to open up a shop, but with the economy the way it is, and the costs involved, I can't see it happening for me here in MD. The shops that were here, with only a few exceptions are now gone, not enough support! If I was to open one, it would not just be a fly fishing shop! Perhaps someday!

Gator, don't go burning yourself out trying to keep up with some of the rest of us! Many of my boxes have flies in them that are several years old. Properly stored, they don't go bad! Tie what you need, tie when you can & build up the boxes while having fun with it. Otherwise, it will become work & that's one of the things I think most of us try to get away from when we tie!

All these beautiful (and full) fly boxes make me feel like I need to shackle myself to my tying desk and not do anything else until either all my materials are gone or all possible containers are full!

Doesn't matter, you'll still go fishing and feel like your missing a fly...

I've done that before. I tied commercially for 15 years. Time is my biggest issue now. Seems as I've gotten older I have less of it. I drive a tractor trailer for a living, and spend too much time out on the road. When I have free time, I really don't want to be tying just to make extra money. Work is work! All work & no play makes us all very old, very fast!

A fellow told me once you can't serve two masters, and I've learned he was correct. Back when I sold flies, I also worked a full time job. It's a lot easier to do when you're young!

BTW, I'm sitting at home now, not working, waiting for a call from my doctor. They've been running some tests on me & seem to think I have an issue with my heart. I'll have to see a cardiologist to be sure. I may end up going back to tying flies anyway! Life's too short as it is, do what you like & like what you do, and enjoy it while you can!